Impact tool

ABSTRACT

An impact tool having a head structure including first head piece, a second head piece and an elongated handle structure. With a lengthwise section of the handle structure being arranged in operative association with and maintaining the first and second head piece of the head structure in operative combination relative to each other. A woven fiber material is arranged about and epoxied to the lengthwise section of the handle structure arranged in operative association with the first and second heads to enhance the interface therebetween.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to hand held manually operated tools and,more particularly, to impacts tools such as hammers and the like havinga head structure including two separated members which are joined by anelongated handle structure.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Impact tools such as hammers, axes, picks and other hand held manuallyoperated striking tools are well known and have been used for centuries.Each of these tools come in a variety of shapes and sizes. The specificconstruction of the impact tool varies widely according to the desiredspecified use.

Such tools are typically provided with a one-piece head structure formedfrom steel or the like and usually includes two metallic impact orstriking surfaces. Carpentry hammers typically have a metal strikinghead at one end and a claw configuration at an opposite end.Alternatively, the hammer can include heads formed from a softermaterial such as lead or hardened rubber material to provide nonmarringimpact surfaces.

Hammers typically have included a handle extending away from the headstructure to provide the hammer with a generally T-shaped configuration.The one-piece head structure is typically created from a forgingoperation to add strength to the head structure of the impact tool.Typically, a lengthwise portion of the handle fits through a bore oropening provided in the one-piece head structure. A wedge or othersuitable fastening device is driven into the free end of the handle tofasten the handle to the head structure.

When a tool such as a hammer is moved to strike a surface of an object,part of the kinetic energy developed through the hammer's swing isutilized in doing the desired work on the object being struck, anotherpart is dissipated as heat, while another part is converted intopotential energy in the form of recoil or rebound of the hammer from thesurface being struck. The distortion of the striking surface of thehammer has potential energy much the same way as a compressed spring. Itis this potential energy that causes the hammer to recoil or bounce backfrom the surface of the object being struck. Moreover, hammers usuallytransmit some force of the impact to the user's hand, which willincrease efforts and labor of the user, thus reducing the operatingefficiency of the tool.

To reduce this problem, there have been developed hammers offering a“dead-blow” characteristic. For example, attention is directed to myU.S. Pat. No. 5,408,902, offering a composite hammer embodying a splithead design wherein a non-load bearing internal head assembly is carriedby a rigid outer load bearing framework which provides strength andstiffness to the tool. The “dead-blow” characteristic offered by mypatented tool is accomplished through a split head tool design thatremarkably reduces and substantially eliminates transference of theimpact from the striking head to the user's hand.

While the invention disclosed in my U.S. Pat. No. 5,408,902 offerssignificantly improved results over other impact tool designs, there isand industry mandates a continuing effort to improve product technology.As a result of those continuing efforts, the present invention has beenrealized.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the above, and in accordance with a preferred form of thepresent invention, there is provided an impact tool including a headstructure with first and second members extending in opposite directionsfrom each other but which are maintained in interconnected relationshiprelative to each other by a handle structure extending normally from andsecured to the head structure.

In one form of the invention, the members of the head structure areformed from metal. In that embodiment wherein the impact tool isconfigured as a hammer, at least one of the members of the headstructure is a striking head which can include an exposed metal strikingsurface. The other member of the head structure for the hammer can beconfigured as a claw or, alternatively, a second striking head with anexposed metal striking surface.

In a preferred form of the invention, each member of the head structureincludes a working portion and an attachment portion. The attachmentportion of each member of the head structure extends, at leastpartially, in surrounding relation relative to a lengthwise portion ofthe handle structure so as to prevent the member from becomingdisassociated with the handle. Forming the attachment portion of aclaw-like configured head with a clevis-like configuration appearsbeneficial to distribute forces imparted thereto during operation of thetool.

The handle structure includes an elongated handle formed from any of amyriad of materials selected from the class comprising; wood, plastic,metal, nylon, fiberglass, an elastomer, or suitable rigid material. In apreferred form, the handle structure further includes a wedge-likemember driven into the free end of the handle. The wedge-like memberserves to maintain the handle structure and head structure in securedengagement relative to each other.

In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, and whileremaining interconnected through the handle structure, the members ofthe head structure are separated from each other in an axial direction.The spacing between the members of the head structure allows formovement of the head structure members in response to one of the headstructure members being struck against a surface. That is, when onemember or head of the head structure is struck against a surface, thespacing between the heads or members of the head structure allows theunstruck head to move toward and impact against the struck head therebyproviding a secondary blow that inhibits the tool's struck head fromrebounding from the struck surface and thereby dampening vibrationthrough the handle.

In a preferred form of the invention, the attachment portions of theheads or members of the head structure are configured with confrontingimpact surfaces. The spacing mentioned above is provided between theimpact surfaces on the heads or members of the head structure. The rangeof spacing between the members of the head structure varies and isdependent upon a number of factors. That is, the spacing between themembers of the head assembly varies as a function of the massdistribution or geometry of the head structure members, the materialfrom which the head structure members are formed, the timing of thecollision between the head structure members, and the length of time thestriking surface of the head structure striking member remains incontact with the struck surface. A spacing between the impact surfacesranging between about 0.010 inches to about 0.070 inches appearsappropriate.

To promote movement of the members or heads of the head structure movingtoward each other in response to use, the tool of the present inventioncan further include elastomeric material disposed between the handle ofthe tool and the heads or members of the head structure. The elastomericmaterial has a hardness ranging between about 40 Shore A durometerhardness and about a 95 Shore A durometer hardness. Suffice it to say,the elastomeric material acts as a spring for returning the nonstruckhead to a normal or operational position after moving toward andimpacting with the struck head or member of the head structure.Accordingly, any suitable material which, during operation of tool, willinitially compress and subsequently return the unstruck head to anoperational position will suffice.

Another aspect of the present invention relates to configuring at leastone of the members of the head structure from laminations. The othermember or head of the head structure is captively received betweenlaminations of the other member. After captively arranging the heads ormembers of the head structure relative to each other, the laminationsare fixedly secured to each other. The handle of the tool extendsthrough and is maintained in association with either of the members orheads of the head structure and extends generally perpendicular relativethereto.

With this aspect of the present invention, a striking plate or cap canbe arranged in combination with the laminations. The striking platedefines a striking surface for the tool and, thus, inhibits separationof the laminations during use of the tool.

With the present invention, the head structure preferably comprises dualheads or members which are generally axially aligned relative to eachother. Because the heads or members of the head assembly of the presentinvention can be manufactured separately, the manufacturing equipmentand processes for forming the heads or members of the head structure aresignificantly simplified, thus, reducing manufacturing costs and therebyenhancing the selling price of the tool. Configuring one or more of thestriking heads with laminations furthermore enhances the manufacturingprocess.

Arranging elastomeric material between the heads and the handle of thetool furthermore enhances this invention. The elastomeric materialeffectively isolates the heads from the handle and thereby significantlyreduces vibration transfer from the head structure through the handleand to the user's hand.

The concept of splitting the heads of the head structure to allow foraxial movement of the heads relative to each other furthermore enhancesperformance characteristics of the present invention. Thus, when onehead or member of the head structure is struck against a surface, theother head or member of the head structure acts as a lagging mass andprovides a secondary blow to inhibit the struck head from reboundingfrom the surface being struck. According, an advantageous “dead-blow”feel is provided to the tool. It has been found that vibrations normallyexperienced in the handle of the tool are not discernable with the tooldesigned in accordance with the present invention.

Still another aspect of the present invention involves arranging a skinof resin impregnated fiber material, preferably an arimid fibermaterial, along and about the lengthwise portion of the handle structureextending into operative association with the head structure of theimpact tool. Preferably, an epoxy is used in combination with the fibermaterial or skin. Moreover, the fiber skin or material plus the epoxydefines a more cumbersome path for impact vibrations to traverse betweenthe striking head of the head structure and the handle structure therebysignificantly reducing vibration transference during use of the tool.Additionally, a cosmetic cover is preferably arranged beneath the headstructure and extends about the handle of the handle structure toaesthetically cover any free ends of the fiber material extending fromthe head structure of the tool. As will be appreciated from anunderstanding of this aspect of the present invention, the presence ofan epoxy material about that portion of the handle structure extendinginto operative combination with the head structure will enhancesecurement of the head structure and handle structure to each otherwhile advantageously dampening vibrations whether the head structure isof a unitary design or of the two piece design as disclosed above.

These and other objects, aims, and advantages of the present inventionwill become more readily apparent from the following detaileddescription of the invention, the appended claims, and the accompanyingdrawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a top plan view of an impact tool embodying features of thepresent invention;

FIG. 2 is a sectional view taken along line 2—2 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a sectional view taken along line 3—3 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the members forming a headstructure of the impact tool illustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a top plan view of the alternative embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 6 is a sectional view taken along line 6—6 of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a longitudinal sectional view of another alternative form ofthe present invention;

FIG. 8 is a top plan view of another alternative embodiment of theinvention;

FIG. 9 is a sectional view taken along line 9—9 of FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is a top plan view of yet another alternative form of thepresent invention;

FIG. 11 is a sectional view taken along line 11—11 of FIG. 10;

FIG. 12 is a top plan view of another alterative form of the presentinvention;

FIG. 13 is a sectional view taken along line 13—13 of FIG. 12;

FIG. 14 illustrates a top plan view of still another alternative form ofthe present invention;

FIG. 15 is a sectional view taken along line 15—15 of FIG. 14;

FIG. 16 is a top plan view of still another form of the presentinvention; and

FIG. 17 is a sectional view taken along line 17—17 of FIG. 16;

FIG. 18 is a partial longitudinal section of still, another embodimentof the present invention; and

FIG. 19 is a sectional view taken along line 19—19 of FIG. 18.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

While the present invention is susceptible of embodiment in multipleforms, there are shown in the drawings and will hereinafter be describedvarious preferred embodiments of the present invention with theunderstanding the present disclosure is to be considered as settingforth exemplifications of the invention which are not intended to limitthe invention to the specific embodiments illustrated and described.

Referring now to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals indicatelike parts throughout the views, there is shown in FIGS. 1 through 3 animpact tool 10 constructed in accordance with the present invention. Thetool illustrated in FIGS. 1 through 3 for purposes of illustration is inthe form of a hammer having exposed striking heads. It should beappreciated, however, the teachings of the present invention are equallyapplicable to other forms of impact tools such as axes, picks and thelike tools.

In the example of the invention shown in FIGS. 1 through 3, and as istypical, hammer 10 has a generally T-shaped configuration and includes ahead structure 12 with a handle structure 14 extending therefrom and ina generally perpendicular relationship therewith.

The head structure 12 includes first and second independent or separateheads or members 20 and 30 which, in the illustrated form of theinvention, are generally axially aligned in a first direction relativeto each other. The heads or members 20, 30 extend toward first andsecond sides, respectively, of the tool 10. In one form of theinvention, the heads or members 20, 30 of the head structure 12 arefabricated from a suitable metal or metal alloy. The head or member 20of head structure 12 defines an exposed striking surface 22 while heador member 30 of head structure 12 defines an exposed striking surface32. As will be appreciated, the heads 20, 30 and the striking surfaces22, 32 respectively, could be encased to limit marring of the surfacestruck or impacted with the tool without detracting or departing fromthe spirit and scope of the present invention. Moreover, theconfigurations of the heads or member 20, 30 of head structure 12 can beother than that shown without departing or detracting from the spiritand scope of the present invention.

The handle structure interconnects the heads 20, 30 of the headstructure 12 to each other and extends in a second direction away fromthe head structure 12 to provide a generally T-shaped formation orconfiguration to the tool 10. The handle structure 14 includes anelongated handle 40, a lengthwise portion of which extends through andinterconnects the heads or members 20, 30 of the head structure 12 toeach other. The handle 40 of handle structure 14 is formed from a classof materials including: wood such as hickory, plastic, metal, nylon,fiberglass, elastomeric, or composite materials. In the illustrated formof the invention, the handle 40 of handle structure 14 is preferably ofone-piece construction between opposite ends 42 and 44 thereof to reducethe opportunity of vibrations passing therethrough.

As shown in FIG. 2, the head piece or member 20 of the head structure 12includes a working portion 24 and an attachment portion 26. Similarly,the head piece or member 30 of the head structure 12 includes a workingportion 34 and an attachment portion 36. Notably, a lengthwise portionof the handle 40 extends through and interconnects the attachmentportions 26, 36 of the heads or members 20, 30 of the head structure 12.

The head pieces or members 20, 30 of the head structure 12 areconfigured to interconnect relative to each other to prevent theirinadvertent separation from each other and from the handle structure 14during use of the impact tool. To prevent the head pieces or members 20,30 from moving beyond a predetermined axial distance or becomingdisassociated with the handle structure 14 during use the tool 10, theattachment sections or portions 26, 36 are each configured to surroundmore than a 180′ circumferential segment of the lengthwise portion ofthe handle 40 extending therethrough. In the illustrated form of theinvention, shown in FIG. 4, each head piece or member 20, 30 defines abore 21, 31, respectively, extending therethrough for accommodatingendwise reception and holding of a lengthwise portion of the handle 40.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, handle structure 14 furthermore preferablyincludes a wedge-like insert 16 is driven into the free upper end 42 ofthe handle 40 passing through the attachment portions 26, 36 of theheads or members 20, 30, respectively, thereby facilitating securementof the head structure 12 to the handle structure 14. Of course, adhesiveor other forms of attachment devices can be used to secure the headstructure 12 to the 40 handle structure 14 in addition to the use of awedge-like member 16 without detracting or departing from the spirit andscope of the present invention.

The head pieces or members 20, 30 of the head structure 12 arefurthermore configured to prevent their axial displacement along thelength of the handle 30. As mentioned, the attachment sections orportions 26, 36 of the head pieces 20, 30, respectively, are eachsecured to a lengthwise portion of the handle structure 14 extendingtherethrough. Moreover, the attachment sections 26, 36 of the heads ormembers 20, 30 of the head structure 12 are vertically arranged relativeto each other to prevent their inadvertent displacement along the axiallength of the handle 40 during operation of the tool 10.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, the attachment portion 26, 36 of each headpiece or member 20, 30 is configured with an axially extending recess23, 33 shaped to complement an axial projection 25, 35 defined on theheads or members 20, 30 of the head structure 12. As will beappreciated, and as shown in FIG. 2, when the head pieces or members 20,30 of the head structure 12 are assembled relative to each other, theaxial projection 25 on the head or member 20 is accommodated within thecomplementary shaped axially extending recess 33 defined on the headpiece or member 30 of head structure 12. Similarly, and after the headpieces or members 20, 30 of the head structure 12 are assembled relativeto each other, the axial projection 35 on the head or member 30 isaccommodated within the complementary shaped axially extending recess 23defined on the head piece or member 20 of head structure 12. Since thehead pieces 20, 30 are each secured to a lengthwise portion of thehandle structure 14 extending therethrough, the relationship of theprojections 25, 35 coact with the recesses 23, 33 to preventdisplacement of the head pieces or members 20, 30 relative to each otherand along the length of the handle structure 14 even if the securementbetween the one of the head pieces or members 20, 30 fails.

According to one salient feature of the present invention, the headpieces or members 20, 30 of the head structure 12 are axially separatedfrom each other by a predetermined axial distance. As shown in thedrawings, the head pieces 20 30 of the head structure 12 are separatedfrom each other in an axial or first direction extending generallyperpendicular to the axis of the handle 40 a distance ranging betweenabout 0.010 inches and about 0.070 inches. The distance separating theheads or members 20, 30 of head structure 12 being substantiallyexaggerated in the drawings for purposes of explanation.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, the head pieces or members 20, 30 of headstructure 12 are provided with complementary and confronting impactsurfaces that are axially separated from each other by the predetermineddistance mentioned above. In the illustrated form of the invention, animpact surface 27 is provided within the recess 23 on the head piece ormember 20 of head structure 12 in spaced and confronting relationshiprelative to an impact surface 38 on the axial projection 35 of headpiece or member 30 of the head structure 12. Similarly, an impactsurface 37 is provided within the recess 33 on the head piece or member30 of head structure 12 in spaced and confronting relationship relativeto impact surface 28 on the axial projection 25 head piece or member 20of the head structure 12.

In this, as well as the other illustrated forms of the inventiondisclosed herein, only one set or pair of complementary confrontingimpact surfaces necessarily needs to be spaced apart the preferablerange of about 0.010 inches to about 0.070 inches. Other confrontingimpact surfaces defined on the head pieces or members 20, 30 of the headstructure 12 can be spaced a further distance apart from each otherwithout detracting or departing from the spirit and scope of the presentinvention. As will be appreciated, and as shown, more than one impactsurface can be defined on the head pieces or member 20, 30 of headstructure 12 without detracting or departing from the spirit and scopeof the present invention as long as the axial spacing between theconfronting surfaces is the same.

Another salient feature which distinguishes the present invention fromheretofore known tools relates to isolating the two-piece head structure12 from the handle structure 14 to significantly reduce vibrationstransmitted to and through the handle 40 to the user. As shown in FIGS.1 through 3, elastomeric material 50 is provided between the handlestructure 14 and the head pieces or members 20, 30 of the head structure12 along the lengthwise portion of the handle 40 extending through thehead structure 12. Notably, the elastomeric material 50, disposedbetween the head pieces 20, 30 of the head structure 12 and the handlestructure 14, promotes axial movement of the unstruck head piece towardthe head piece that is struck against a surface.

In the illustrated form of the invention, a sleeve 52 formed from anelastomeric material is disposed about and along the lengthwise portionof the handle 40 passing through the head structure 12. The elastomericsleeve 52 is secured to that lengthwise portion of the handle structure14 passing through the head structure 12 and to each of the head piecesor members 20, 30 of the head structure 12 as by adhesive or the like.As will be appreciated, and in addition to the wedge-like member 16driven into the free end 42 of the handle 40, the adhesiveness of thesleeve 52 to the heads or members 20, 30 and to the handle portion 40furthermore facilitates maintaining the head structure 12 in operableassociation with the handle structure 14.

As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the elastomericmaterial can take a myriad of forms. In the preferred embodiment, anelastomeric composition having a Shore A durometer hardness rangingbetween about 40 and 95 appears to be best suited for this application.

Another embodiment of a tool embodying features of the present inventionis schematically illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6. This alternative form ofimpact tool is designated generally by reference numeral 110. Theelements of this alternative form of impact tool that are identical toor functionally analogous to those components discussed above regardingimpact tool 10 are designated by reference numerals identical to thoseused above with the exception that this embodiment uses referencenumerals in the 100 series.

In this embodiment of the invention, the head structure 112 and handlestructure 114 are substantially similar to that discussed above. Asmentioned above, the head structure 112 includes a pair of axiallyseparated striking heads 120, 130. Moreover, the handle structure 114includes an elongated handle 140 having opposite ends 142, 144.

The head piece or member 130 of the head structure 112 defines a bore131 extending therethrough and through which a lengthwise portion of thehandle structure 114 extends. The head piece or member 120 of the headstructure 112, however, defines a counterbore 121 which accommodates alengthwise portion of the handle 140 of handle structure 114. In theembodiment of the invention schematically illustrated in FIG. 16, thehandle structure 114 furthermore preferably includes a wedge-like insert116. As shown, the head piece or member 120 of head completelytherethrough. Notably, the counterbore 121 of head piece or member 120can be structure 112 is provided with an aperture or opening 129 forpermitting endwise passage of the wedge-like member therethrough andinto the free end of the handle 140 thereby enhancing securement of thehead structure 112 and handle structure 114 in operative combinationrelative to each other.

Notably, the counterbore 121 of the head piece or member 120 and thebore 131 of head piece or member 130 are each configured to accommodateelastomeric material 150 disposed, at least, on opposite sides of thehandle structure 114. As will be appreciated, and as discussed in detailabove, the handle structure 114 and/or the elastomeric material 150 canbe suitable secured to the head structure as through adhesive or thelike.

Another embodiment of a tool embodying features of the present inventionis schematically illustrated in FIG. 7. This alternative form of impacttool is designated generally by reference numeral 210. The elements ofthis alternative form of impact tool that are identical to orfunctionally analogous to those components discussed above regardingimpact tool 10 are designated by reference numerals identical to thoseused above with the exception that this embodiment uses referencenumerals in the 200 series.

In this embodiment of the invention, the head structure 212 issubstantially similar to that discussed above. As mentioned above, thehead structure 212 includes a pair of axially separated striking heads220, 230. The head pieces or members 220, 230 of the head structure 212defines bores 221, 231, respectively, extending therethrough and throughwhich a lengthwise portion of a handle structure 214 extends to hold theattachment portions 226, 236 of the head pieces or members 220, 230,respectively, together in interconnected relationship relative to eachother. Of course, with a simple change the bore 221 of head piece 220could be configured with a counterbore like head piece 120 discussedabove without detracting or departing from the spirit and scope of thepresent invention.

The handle structure 214 in this embodiment of the invention extendsthrough and holds the head pieces 220, 230 of the head structure 220 inaxially separated relation relative to each other. In this embodiment,the handle structure 214 includes an elongated handle 240 with anenlarged head piece 241 toward that end that passes endwise through theattachment portions 226, 236 of the head pieces or members 220, 230,respectively, of the head structure 212. In this embodiment of theinvention, at least the enlarged head piece 241 of handle structure 214is formed from an elastomeric composition having a Shore A durometerhardness ranging between about 40 and 95.

The enlarged head piece 241 of handle 240 is sized to snugly fit withinbores 221, 231 defined in the head pieces or members 220, 230 of thehead structure 212 and be secured thereto as with adhesive. The handlestructure 214 can further include a wedge-like member (not shown) drivenonto the free end thereof, or any other suitable affixation device ormethod. As discussed above, attachment portions 226, 236 of the headpieces or members 220, 230, respectively, extend at least partially insurrounding circumferential relation relative to a lengthwise portion ofthe enlarged head piece 242 thereby preventing complete separation ofthe head pieces or members 220, 230 from the handle 240. Although theattachment portions 226, 236 of the head pieces or members 220, 230,respectively, of the head structure 212 appear different than theattachment portions 26, 36 discussed above regarding head pieces 20, 30,they are intended to serve the identical function to that discussedabove and are maintained in normally separated relation relative to eachother.

Another embodiment of a tool embodying features of the present inventionis schematically illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 9. This alternative form ofimpact tool is designated generally by reference numeral 310. Theelements of this alternative form of impact tool that are identical toor functionally analogous to those components discussed above regardingimpact tool 10 are designated by reference numerals identical to thoseused above with the exception that this embodiment uses referencenumerals in the 300 series.

In this embodiment of the invention, the tool 310 is configured as acarpentry hammer. The head structure 312 of the hammer 310 includesfirst and second pieces or members 320, 330, respectively, joined toeach other by an elongated handle structure 314 extending generallynormal to and away from the head structure 312. The handle structure 314includes an elongated handle 340, a lengthwise portion of which extendsthrough and interconnects the heads or members 320, 330 of the headstructure 312 to each other. The handle 340 is preferably formed from aclass of materials including: wood such as hickory, plastic, metal,nylon, fiberglass, elastomeric composite materials. The handle 340 ispreferably of one-piece construction between opposite ends 342 and 344thereof. The handle structure 314 furthermore preferably includes awedge-like structure or insert 316 forced into the upper free end 342 ofthe one-piece handle 340 of handle structure 314. The insert 316 ofhandle structure 314 circumferentially expands that end of handlestructure 314 passing, at least partially, through the head structure312 thereby enhancing the securement of the handle structure 314 to thehead structure 312.

As shown, the first piece 320 of the head structure 212 is configured asa striking head with a striking surface 322. The other piece or member330 of the head structure 312 has a claw-like configuration including apair of laterally spaced tines or members 339 and 339′ extending awayfrom handle 340 of the handle structure 314.

To promote axial movement of the heads or members 320, 330 of the headstructure 312, elastomeric material 350 is inserted between opposedsides of the handle 340 and attachment portions 326, 336 of the heads ormembers 320, 330, respectively, of the head structure 312. As will beappreciated, the elastomeric material furthermore isolates the headstructure 312 from the handle structure 314 thereby inhibitingvibrations from being transferred along the length of the handle 314 tothe user. In the illustrated form of the invention, the elastomericmaterial 350 is in the form of strips of elastomeric material 352arranged between opposed lengthwise sides of the handle 340 and theheads 320, 330 of the head structure 312.

In this embodiment of the invention, the attachment portions 326, 336 ofthe head pieces or members 320 have a clevis-like configuration toenhance distribution of the forces acting on the heads or members 320,330 of the head structure 312. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 9,the attachment portion 326 of the head piece or member 320 of headstructure 312 includes an axially elongated vertically spacedprojections 360. Each axially elongated projection 360 on head piece ormember 320 defines an opening or aperture 362 circumferentiallyextending, at least partially, about a lengthwise section of the handle340 to hold the striking head 320 to the handle structure 314. In theillustrated embodiment, the opening 362 defined by the attachmentsection 326 is sized to fit snugly about the elastomeric material 352fitted about the handle 340.

The attachment portion 336 of the head piece or claw-like member 330 ofthe head structure is configured with a pair of elongated axiallyextending, vertically spaced projections 370 which, in the illustratedembodiment, are embraced by the projection 360 of head piece or member320. The projections 370 of the head piece or claw-like member 330define a pair of vertically aligned openings or apertures 374 whichcircumferentially extend, at least partially, about a lengthwise portionof the handle 340 extending endwise therethrough. In the illustratedembodiment, the openings 374 defined by the attachment section 336 ofthe head piece or claw-like member 330 are sized to fit snugly about theelastomeric material 352 fitted about the handle 353.

As shown in FIG. 9, the striking head 320 of head structure 312 isformed with axially elongated recesses 323 defining vertically alignedimpact surfaces 327 for accommodating axial displacement of theattachment portion 336 of the claw-like member 330 there toward.Similarly, the claw-like member or head 330 of the head structure 312 isformed with axially elongated recesses 333 defining impact surfaces 337.

As shown, each of the axially elongated projections 360 forming part ofthe attachment portion 326 of the striking head 320 is formed with animpact surface 328 at the distal end thereof Moreover, the axiallyelongated projections 370 forming part of the attachment portion 336 ofthe claw-like member 330 of head structure 312 each define verticallyaligned impact surfaces 338 at the distal ends of the projections 370,372, respectively.

As shown in FIG. 9, when the heads 320, 330 are assembled relative toeach other, the impact surfaces 328 on the head piece or member 320 ofthe head structure 320 are maintained in a predetermined spaced andconfronting relationship relative to the impact surfaces 337 formed onthe claw-like member or head 330. Moreover, when the heads 320, 330 areassembled relative to each other, the impact surfaces 338 at the distalends of the projections 370 extending from the claw-like member 330 willbe maintained in a predetermined spaced and confronting relationshiprelative to the impact surfaces 327 formed on the striking head 320.

Still another embodiment of a tool embodying features of the presentinvention is illustrated in FIGS. 10 and 11. This alternative form ofimpact tool is designated generally by reference numeral 410. Theelements of this alternative form of impact tool that are identical toor functionally analogous to those components discussed above regardingimpact tool 10 are designated by reference numerals identical to thoseused above with the exception that this embodiment uses referencenumerals in the 400 series.

Tool 410 is again configured as a carpentry hammer. The head structure412 of the hammer 410 includes first and second pieces or members 420,430, respectively. The tool or hammer 410 further includes a handlestructure 414 extending from the head structure 412 at a generallyperpendicular relationship thereby providing a generally T-shapedconfiguration to the tool 410.

As shown, the first piece 420 of the head structure 412 is configured asa striking head with a striking surface 422. The other member 430 of thehead structure 412 is configured with a claw-like design including apair of laterally spaced tines or members 439 and 439′.

In this embodiment of the invention, the striking head 420 is preferablyof one piece construction and includes a working portion 424 and anattachment portion 426. The attachment portion 426 of the striking head420 is specifically configured to be captively received by the claw-likemember 430 of the head structure so as to prevent its axial separationtherefrom and yet allow a degree of axial movement along a predeterminedpath relative to the claw-like member or head piece 430. In theillustrated embodiment, the attachment portion 426 of the striking head420 is configured with an enlarged end portion 460 to retain the head420 in captive but axially slidable relationship relative to head piece430.

The claw-like member 430 of the head structure 412 has a laminatedconfiguration including first and second halves or pieces 470, 472 whichare the mirror image of each other and, when assembled, provide theentire shape to the claw-like member 430 of the head structure 412. Eachpiece 470, 472 of the claw-like member 430 defines a open sided cavity473 having a shape corresponding to one half of the attachment portion426 of the striking head 420. Moreover, each piece 470, 472 of theclaw-like member 430 defines an open sided channel 474 conforming toone-half of the cross-sectional configuration of the lengthwise portionof the one-piece handle 440 extending endwise therethrough.

In the illustrated form of the invention, and as made possible by thelaminated structure of the head piece 430, the attachment portion 426 ofthe head piece 420 is captively received within a recess formed by theabutting cavities 473 defined by the pieces 470, 472 of the head piece430 of the head structure 412 while the handle 440 forming handlestructure 414 extends only through the head piece or claw member 430 ofthe head structure 412. The laminations 470, 472 forming the claw-likemember 430 of the head structure 412 are fixedly held to each other asby a series or plurality of rivets 480 or other suitable securementdevices.

As shown, the handle 440 has a changing cross-sectional configurationalong that lengthwise portion extending through the claw-like member 430of the head structure. The changing cross-sectional configuration of thehandle 440 is specifically configured to secure the claw-like member 430along the length of the handle structure 414. In the illustratedembodiment of the invention, a generally centralized lengthwise sectionof the handle 440 has a reduced outer configuration from thoselengthwise sections of the handle 440 arranged adjacent upper and lowersides of the claw-like member 430. Accordingly, the handle 440 isprevented from axially moving along its length relative to the claw-likemember. Of course, configurations other than that exemplified mayequally suffice without detracting or departing from the scope of thepresent invention. Notably, however, the laminated or lengthwise splitconfiguration of the member 430 allows such a design to capture thehandle structure 414 relative to the head structure 412. Moreover, inthe illustrated form of the invention, the handle 440 has across-sectional configuration which inhibits the handle 440 fromrotating or turning relative to the head piece 430. Furthermore, and toinhibit vibrations from transferring along the length of the handlestructure, the handle 440 is preferably configured as a one-piecemember.

To further reduce vibrations from being transmitted along the length ofthe handle structure, elastomeric material 450 is inserted between thelengthwise portion of the handle 440 and the that portion of head piece430 arranged in surrounding relationship thereto. As will beappreciated, the elastomeric material 450 only needs to be positioned onopposite sides of the handle 440 to promote axial movements of the headpieces 420, 430 toward each other. In the illustrated form of theinvention, however, a sleeve 452 of elastomeric material is positionedalong and about the lengthwise portion of the handle 440 extendingthrough the head piece 430 of the head structure 412. The elastomericmaterial has a hardness ranging between about a Shore A durometerhardness and about a 95 Shore A durometer hardness.

As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the attachment portion 426 of the headpiece or striking head 420 of the head structure 412 is configured withan elongated shank-like projection axially extending from the strikinghead 420 with an impact surface 428 at a distal end thereof Moreover,the claw-like member 430 is configured with a recess 433 shaped toaccommodate the shank-like projection 426 on the head piece or member420. Notably, an impact surface 427 is defined by the recess 473. Aswill be appreciated, when the heads 420, 430 are assembled relative toeach other, the impact surface 428 on the striking head 420 and theimpact surface 437 on the claw-like member 430 are in confronting butaxially spaced relation relative to each other. The axial spacing havinga predetermined distance therebetween. In the illustrated embodiment, anelastomeric material 481 is positioned between the impact surface 428 onthe head or member 420 and the impact surface 437 on the claw-likemember 430 to act as a spring for maintaining the axially spacedrelationship between the confronting impact surfaces defined by the heador members 420, 430 of the head structure 412.

FIGS. 12 and 13 illustrate an alternative embodiment of the inventionsubstantially similar to that illustrated in FIGS. 10 and 11. Thisembodiment of the invention includes substantially the same structure asdiscussed above regarding tool 410 with the exception of the manner bywhich the striking head 420 is secured to the claw-like member 430. Inthis embodiment of the invention, the attachment portion 426 on thestriking head 420 is configured as an axially elongated shank-likeprojection axially extending away from the striking head 420 and isslidably received for axial movement within a cavity 433 defined by thehead piece or claw-like member 430. That is, and with this embodiment ofthe hammer 410, the axially extended projection 426 is arranged forendwise or axial sliding movement within the recess 433 in the claw-likemember 430 defined by the two abutting laminations 470, 472.

As mentioned above, in this embodiment of the invention, a series ofrivets or other suitable fasteners 480 serve to fixedly hold thelaminations 470, 472 to each other. In the illustrated form of theinvention, the rivets or fasteners 480 are shown as extending throughthe laminations 470, 472 and holding them in fixed relation relative toeach other it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, however,the fasteners do not necessary need to extend completely through bothlaminations 470, 472. Other alternative means of securing thelaminations 470, 472 to each other would equally suffice withoutdetracting or departing from the novel spirit and scope of the presentinvention. In the illustrated form of the invention shown in FIGS. 12and 13, at least one elongated fastener 480 axially extends through theshank-like axial projection on head piece 420. The axially elongatedprojection 426 is provided with a throughbore 482 having a diametergreater than the diameter of the rivet or fastener 480 used to hold thelaminations 470, 472 in assembled relation relative to each other. Asshown in the drawings, a bearing sleeve of elastomeric material 484fills the void around the rivet or fastener 480 and the internaldiameter of the bore 482. The elastomeric material will have generallythe same characteristics as mentioned above and will serve to maintainthe impact surfaces 437 and 428 on the head members or pieces 420 and430 of the head structure in predetermined axially spaced relationrelative to each other while also allowing for the impact surfaces tocollide with each other when the striking head 420 is stricken against asurface or object.

A further embodiment of a tool embodying features of the presentinvention are schematically illustrated in FIGS. 14 and 15. Thisalternative form of impact tool is designated generally by referencenumeral 510. The elements of this alternative form of impact tool thatare identical to or functionally analogous to those components discussedabove regarding impact tool 10 are designated by reference numeralsidentical to those used above with the exception that this embodimentuses reference numerals in the 500 series.

Tool 510 is similar in configuration to the tool 10 discussed above andshown in FIGS. 1 through 3. In this embodiment of the invention, thetool 510 includes a head structure 512 including first and second piecesor members 520 and 530, respectively, which are axially aligned in afirst direction. The tool or hammer 510 further includes a handlestructure 514 extending from the head structure 512 in a seconddirection and generally perpendicular to the head structure 512 therebyproviding a generally T-shaped configuration to the tool 510.

The head pieces or members 520 and 530 of the head structure 512 areeach formed from a series of laminations 529 and 539, respectively,fixedly held to each other by a series of suitable rivets or fasteners580. Each plate or lamination 529 forming the head piece or member 520is configured with a cutout 522 which, after the plates 529 areassembled relative to each other, define a recess 523 including at leastone impact surface 527. Moreover, each lamination or plate 529 of thehead member or piece 520 has an extension 526 having an impact surface528 at a distal end thereof. Each plate or lamination 539 forming thehead piece or member 520 is configured with a cutout 532 which, afterthe plates 539 are assembled relative to each other, define a recess 533including at least one impact surface 537. Moreover, each lamination orplate 539 of the head member or piece 530 has an extension 536 having animpact surface 538 at a distal end thereof. Notably, when the laminatedhead pieces 520, 530 are assembled relative to each other, the impactsurfaces 527, 538 and 537, 528, respectively, are arranged inconfronting but predetermined spaced relationship relative to each otherin substantially the same manner as discussed above.

In this embodiment of the invention, one each of the laminated plates529, 539 forming the laminated head pieces 520, 530 of the headstructure 512 is formed like the other except that one each of theplated 529, 539 is sufficiently sized to permit a bore 521, 531 to beprovided therein for allowing a lengthwise portion of the handlestructure 514 to extend endwise therethrough. As described above, thehandle structure 514 furthermore preferably includes a suitably shapedmember, such as a wedge-like member 516, which is driven into oroperative extends from the free end 542 of the handle 540 of handlestructure 514 to facilitate securement of the head structure 512 to thehandle structure 514.

Such that either end of the head structure 512 can be used for strikingpurposes, a cap structure 570 fits about the ends of the laminations529, 539 of the heads or members 520, 530 of the head structure 512. Aswill be appreciated, the cap structure 570 defines a striking surface525, 535 for each head or member 520, 530 of the head structure 512. Inthe illustrated form of the invention, each cap structure 570 defines aperipheral wall or skirt 527 arranged in capturing and surroundingrelation relative to the laminations 529, 539 of the head or members520, 530 thereby inhibiting the laminations 529, 539 from “separating”relative to each other as the tool 510 is used to strike a surface. Thecap structure 570 is secured as through any suitable means to the endsof the laminations 529, 539 forming the heads or members 520, 530 of thehead structure 512. It is also within the scope of the present inventionto configure the head structure of the impact tool 510 such thatalternating laminations can be formed from an elastomeric material.

A still further embodiment of a tool embodying features of the presentinvention are schematically illustrated in FIGS. 16 and 17. Thisalternative form of impact tool is designated generally by referencenumeral 610. The elements of this alternative form of impact tool thatare identical to or functionally analogous to those components discussedabove regarding impact tool 10 are designated by reference numeralsidentical to those used above with the exception that this embodimentuses reference numerals in the 500 series.

The tool 610 is similar in configuration to the laminated tool 510discussed above and shown in FIGS. 14 and 15. In this embodiment of theinvention, the tool 610 includes a head structure 612 including firstand second pieces or members 620 and 630, respectively, which areaxially aligned in a first direction. The tool or hammer 610 furtherincludes a handle structure 614 extending from the head structure 612 ina second direction and generally perpendicular to the head structure 612thereby providing a generally T-shaped configuration to the tool 610.

The head pieces or members 620 and 630 of the head structure 612 areeach formed from laminations 621 and 631, respectively, fixedly held toeach other by a series of suitable rivets or fasteners 680. To reducevibration transmission through the handle structure 614 and to allow thehead pieces 620, 630 of the head structure 612 to collide relative toeach other, at least one other lamination 625 formed from an elastomericmaterial is sandwiched or inserted between the laminations 621 and 631forming the head pieces or member 620, 630 and is secured to each by thefasteners 680.

The laminations 621, 631 each define an impact surface 627, 638 and 628,637, respectively, arranged thereon. The impact surfaces 627, 638 and637, 628, respectively, on the laminations 621, 631 forming the headpieces or members 620, 630 of head structure 612 are arranged inconfronting axially spaced relation relative to each other.

As shown, the handle structure 614 includes a one-piece handle 640 havea changing cross-sectional configuration along that lengthwise portionextending endwise through the elastomeric lamination 625 of the headstructure 612. The changing cross-sectional configuration of the handle640 is specifically configured to secure the elastomeric lamination 625along the length of the handle structure 614. As shown, the lengthwisesection of the handle 640 arranged in operative association with thehead structure 612 preferably has an hourglass configuration.Accordingly, the handle 640 is prevented from axially moving along itslength relative to the laminations 625 and, thus, relative to headstructure 612. Of course, configurations other than that exemplified mayequally suffice without detracting or departing from the scope of thepresent invention. Notably, however, the laminated or lengthwise splitconfiguration of the head structure 612 allows such a design to capturethe handle structure 614 relative to the head structure 612.

FIGS. 18 and 19 schematically illustrate still another embodiment of animpact tool embodying salient features of the present invention. Thisalternative form of impact tool is designated generally by referencenumeral 710. The elements of this alternative form of impact tool thatare identical to or functionally analogous to those components discussedabove regarding impact tool 10 are designated by reference numeralsidentical to those used above with the exception that this embodimentuses reference numerals in the 700 series.

Tool 710 is again configured as a carpentry hammer. The hammer 710includes a head structure 712 and an elongated handle structure 714extending generally normal to the head structure 712. One of the salientfeatures involving this embodiment of the invention concerns thecomposite structure of the hammer 710. That is, in this embodiment ofthe invention, a skin or sock 702 extends about and along at least thatlengthwise portion of the handle structure 714 extending into operativecooperation with the head structure.

In a preferred form of the invention, the skin 702 is fabricated from anarimid fiber material such as KEVLAR® marketed and sold by the DuPontCorporation. The arimid fiber material used in combination with thepresent invention has a unique combination of high strength, highmodulus and toughness. The arimid fiber material or skin 702 isencapsulated or impregnated into an epoxy such as that sold and marketedby Ad-Tech as CER-112. This aspect of the present invention takesadvantage of the natural tendency of the free ends of woven or braidedfiber to fray and expand. As will be appreciated, and after the epoxysolidifies and hardens about the woven fabric or skin 702, the epoxyimpregnated into the fiber sleeve maintains the frayed ends of thesleeve 702 in a radially expanded configuration, as schematicallyillustrated in FIG. 18, and thereby enhances the interface between thehead structure 712 and the handle structure 714 while furthermorepreventing the handle structure 714 from pulling out or separating fromthe head structure 712.

In one form, a cover 704 is disposed along and about a lengthwiseportion of the handle structure 714 disposed beneath and in combinationwith the head structure 712. The purpose of the cover 704 is to extendabout a lengthwise portion of the epoxied and impregnated fiber materialextending beyond the head structure 712 of the tool 710. To maintain thedistinctive character of the tool 710, however, at least a lengthwiseportion of the cover 704 is transparent or otherwise visually permeableto permit visual access to the material skin 702 while inhibitinginadvertent unwrapping or unraveling of the impregnated fiber skin 702.

In that form illustrated in FIGS. 18 and 19, head structure 712 includesfirst and second pieces or members 720 and 730, respectively. Themembers or pieces 720, 730 of head structure 712 are joined by theelongated handle structure 714 extending, at least partially,therethrough.

As shown, the first member or piece 720 of head structure 712 isconfigured as a striking head with a striling surface 722. In theillustrated embodiment of the invention, the other piece or member 730of the head structure 712 has a claw-like configuration including a pairof laterally spaced tines or members 739 and 739′.

In the illustrated form of the invention, and as made possible by thetwo-piece split head design, the head piece 720 includes an attachmentportion 726 projecting away from and generally normal to the strikingsurface 722. The head piece 730 likewise includes an attachment portion736 defining an elongated opening 773 for endwise receiving theattachment portion 726 of head piece or member 720. Notably, the opening773 allows for radial expansion of the frayed free ends of the sock 702in the manner described above. In the illustrated embodiment, theattachment portion 726 of head piece or member 720 has a generallysemi-circular configuration extending axially away from the distal endof member 720 arranged opposite from the striking surface 722 to providefurther space for expansion of the free ends of the braided sock 702.Moreover, the distal end of the attachment portion 726 of head piece ormember 720 defines an impact surface 728 arranged in confronting butspaced relationship to an impact surface 738 defined by an end wall ofthe elongated recess or opening 773 defined by head member or piece 730.The confronting impact surfaces 728, 738 on the heads 720, 730,respectively, are spaced from reach other in the same relationshipdescribed above to advantageously yield a dead-blow characteristic tothe hammer 710.

As shown in FIGS. 18 and 19, the attachment portion 726 of head piece ormember 720 further defines an open ended recess or opening 727 extendingtherethrough. Similarly, the attachment portion 736 of the head piece730 defines a throughbore or opening 737 for accommodating the handlestructure 714 and which opens to an upper surface of the head piece ormember 730 of head structure 712. Notably, when the split head pieces ormembers 720 and 730 of head structure 712 are arranged in operativerelationship relative to each other, as shown in FIGS. 18 and 19, theopenings or recesses 727 and 737 defined by the attachment portions 726and 736 of the head members 720 and 730, respectively, of head structure712 are in general registry with one another.

A lengthwise portion of handle structure 714 of tool 710 extends throughthe head pieces or members 620, 730 of head structure 712 therebyjoining them in operative combination relative to each other. In theembodiment of the invention schematically illustrated in FIGS. 187 and19, handle structure 714 includes an elongated handle 740, a member 716extending endwise from that end of the handle 740 extending into thehead structure 712, and an elastomeric link 750 which operatively actsas a lengthwise extension of that portion of the handle 740 insertedinto the head structure 712.

The handle 740 of the handle structure 714 is preferably formed from aclass of materials including: woods, such as hickory; plastic; metal;nylon; fiberglass; or other suitable rigid material. The handle 740 hasopposed ends 742 and 744. As shown in FIGS. 18 and 19, the end 742 ofhandle 740 is configured for insertion within the head structure 712 ofthe tool. In this regard, and to enhance its insertion within the headstructure 712, the end 742 of handle 740 preferably has an inwardlytapered configuration.

In the illustrated form of the invention, member 716 of the handlestructure 714 has a generally wedge-like configuration but any suitabledesign would equally suffice without detracting or departing from thespirit and scope of the present invention. For example, a screw threadedinto the free end 742 of the handle 740 would equally apply. Notably,member 716 axially extends from and is secured to the free end 742 ofhandle 740 of handle structure 714. Moreover, the member 716 projectsendwise through the openings 727 and 737 defined by the attachmentportions 726 and 736, respectively, of the heads or pieces 720, 730forming the head structure 712.

To further reduce vibrations from being transmitted along the handlestructure 714 during use of the tool 710, handle structure 714 furtherincludes the elastomeric link 750 for resiliently joining the headpieces or member's 720, 730 of the head structure 712 to each other andto handle structure 714. The elastomeric link 750 has a durometerhardness ranging between about 40 Shore A durometer hardness and about a95 Shore A durometer hardness. As will be appreciated from anunderstanding of the present invention, the elastomeric link 750 acts asa spring for returning the nonstruck head of the head structure 712 to anormal or operational position after moving toward and impacting withthe struck head or member of the head structure 712. Accordingly, anysuitable material which, during use of the tool 710, will initiallycompress and subsequently return the unstruck head piece or member to anoperational position relative to the struck head after the struck headhas impacted with a surface will suffice.

Assembly of the impact tool 710 illustrated in FIGS. 18 and 19preferably involves the following steps and processes. The free end 742of handle 740, with the arimid sock to sleeve 702 arranged thereabout,is inserted into the head piece 730 of head structure 712. Theattachment portion 726 of head piece 720 is then inserted into theopening 773 and into operative relationship with the head member 730.The epoxy or adhesive is the introduced through the openings 727 and 737of the head pieces 720, 730, respectively, to impregnate and wet thearimid fiber sleeve 702 thereby enhancing the securement between thehead structure 712 and handle structure 714 interface. Thereafter,member 716 of handle structure 714 is inserted into operativeassociation with the free end 742 of handle 740 thereby causing outwardradial expansion of the free end 742 of handle 740 and thereby furtherenhancing the securement between the head structure 712 and handlestructure 714 interface. Next, an elastomer, such as polyurethane, isinserted or injected into the openings 727 and 737 of the head pieces720 and 730, respectively, to completely fill the voids and surroundthat portion of member 716 extending axially from the handle 740. Aswill be appreciated, and when solidified, the polyurethane acts as theelastomeric link 750 joining the head pieces or members 720, 730 of headstructure to each other and to handle 740.

The cover 704 can be arranged about the handle 740 of handle structure714 prior to insertion of the handle 740 into operative association withthe head structure 712. After the head structure 712 and handlestructure 714 are fixed to each other, the cover 704 is slidably movedinto the position illustrated in FIGS. 18 and 19 relative to the headstructure 712. Alternatively, and in a manner well known in the art, thecover 704 can be molded about the handle 740 of handle structure 714after the head structure 712 and handle structure 714 are arranged inoperative association relative to each other.

The split head impact tool described above has several advantages overheretofore known impact tools. Unlike other impact tools, the heads ormembers of the head structure of the present invention are formedseparate from each other. As will be appreciated, separately forming theheads or members of the head structure facilitates interchangability andsignificantly simplifies the manufacturing process. Rather than havingto forge an entire head assembly for a impact tool, variousmanufacturing methods or processes can be used to fabricate the heads ormember so the head structure of then present invention in the mosteconomical fashion possible. For example, the separate heads or membersof the head structure may be individually forged, cast, or they can beformed as laminated formations depending on which manufacturing processbest serves the manufacturers needs.

Unlike heretofore known impact tools, the separate heads of the headstructure of the present invention are interconnected to each other bythe handle structure of the tool extending therethrough. In a preferredform of the present invention, each head or member of the head structureincludes a working end or portion and an attachment portion. Theattachments portions or ends of the heads or members of the headstructure are interconnected to each other by the handle extendingtherethrough in a manner heretofore unknown.

The split head design of the present invention advantageously offers aunique “dead blow” characteristic during use of the impact tool. Thisdead blow characteristic is enhanced when elastomeric material isprovided between the heads and opposite sides of the handle structure.The elastomeric material between the heads and the handle structureserves to maintain impact surfaces defined by the heads of the headstructure in a predetermined spaced relationship relative to each other.The predetermined spacing between the impact surfaces on the heads ormembers of the head structure ranges between about 0.010 inches andabout 0.070 inches. The spacing between the heads of the head structureis dependent upon a number of factors including: mass distribution orthe head configurations; the hardness of the elastomeric materialbetween the heads and the handle structure; the time of the collisionbetween the impact surfaces; the length of time the striking head of thehead structure remains in contact with the struck surface; and, whetherthe struck surface is stationary or movable. These are a few of theconsiderations for setting the spacing between the heads of the headstructure.

The separated head design offered by the present invention allows theunstruck head of the head structure to act as a lagging mass thatsuppresses the rebound of the struck head. That is, the split heads ofthe head structure of the present invention are permitted to axiallymove along a predetermined path relative to each other such that whenone head of the head structure is impacted on a surface of an object,the other head of the head structure moves toward and collides with thestruck head thereby providing a secondary blow keeping the struck headfrom rebounding and, thus, deadening the blow of the hammer or impacttool. Moreover, the elastomeric material between the head structure andthe handle structure serves to isolate the handle from the heads ormembers of the head structure, thus, significantly reducing thevibrations transferred along the handle to the user.

The alternative laminated structure for the heads of the head structurefurthermore allows one head of the head structure to be captured by theother head of the head structure to further simplify the presentinvention. End caps define a striking surface for the head structure ofthe tool and inhibits “splitting” of the laminations during use of thetool.

As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the compositestructure of such an impact tool design offers several advantagesregardless of whether the head structure embodies a split head design oris of unitary construction. First, using the arimid fiber material incombination with an epoxy offers increased strength between the headstructure and handle structure interface. Second, such a compositestructure isolates the head structure 712 from the handle structure 714.Moreover, and because the skin 702 and epoxy add layers about thatportion of the handle structure 714 passing into operative combinationwith the head structure 712 of the tool 710, a more complex andcomplicated path needs to be traversed by the vibrations when the headstructure 712 is struck against a surface. As will be appreciated, themore complicated path for vibrations to travel between the struck headand the handle advantageously yields vibration dampening characteristicsduring use of the tool 710. Moreover, should a portion of the materialskin or sock 702 extend beyond the head structure 712 and along aportion of the handle structure 714, its appearance will undoubtedly adddistinctiveness to the hammer design.

From the foregoing it will be observed that numerous modifications andvariations can be effected without departing or,detracting from the truespirit and scope of the novel concept of the present invention. It willbe appreciated that the present disclosure is intended to set forthexemplifications of the invention which are not intended to limit theinvention to the specific embodiments illustrated. The disclosure isintended to cover by the appended claims all such modifications as fallwithin the spirit and scope of the claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A hammer, comprising: a head assembly includingfirst and second members, each member of said head assembly including aworking portion and an integral attachment portion, and wherein theattachment portions of said members extend to opposite sides of alongitudinal axis defined by a handle structure; and with said handlestructure extending generally perpendicular to and through theattachment portions of said first and second members thereby operablyinterconnecting said first and second members of said head assembly toeach other; and an elastomer arranged in operable association with saidhandle structure and the attachment portions of the first and secondmembers of said head assembly such that confronting and spaced impactsurfaces defined on said first and second members of said head assemblyare maintained in spaced relation relative to each other by apredetermined distance measuring between about 0.010 inches and about0.070 inches.
 2. A hammer, comprising: a head assembly including firstand second members, each member of said head assembly including aworking portion and an attachment portion, with the attachment portionof each member extending to opposite lateral sides of an elongated axisdefined by a handle structure; wherein said handle structure passesthrough and is secured to the attachment portions of said first andsecond members of said head assembly thereby limiting movement of thefirst and second members of said head assembly relative to thelongitudinal axis of said handle structure, with said handle structureincluding an elongated handle extending generally perpendicular fromsaid head assembly; and an elastomeric member arranged in operableassociation with the handle structure and said attachment portions ofsaid first and second members.
 3. The hammer according to claim 2wherein said members of said head assembly are metal.
 4. The hammeraccording to claim 2 wherein at least one of said members includes anexposed metal striking surface.
 5. The hammer according to claim 2wherein one of said members is configured as a striking head while theother member is configured as a claw.
 6. The hammer according to claim 2wherein said elastomeric member is formed from a urethane materialhaving a durometer hardness ranging between about a 40 and about a 95Shore A hardness.
 7. An impact tool, comprising a head assemblyincluding first and second members, each member of said head assemblyincluding a working portion and an attachment portion, and wherein eachmember of said head assembly further includes an impact surface arrangedin axially spaced but confronting relation to an impact surface on theother member; handle structure defining an elongated axis, with saidhandle structure passing through and secured to the attachment portionsof the first and second members extending to opposite sides of said axisthereby interconnecting said first and second members to each other; andelastomeric material disposed in operable association with said firstand second members of said head assembly for maintaining said impactsurfaces in predetermined spaced relation relative to each other, saidelastomeric material acting as a dampener such that when one member ofsaid head assembly is struck against a surface the unstruck member movestoward the struck member to provide a force that inhibits the struckmember from bouncing from the surface and such that rebound of theimpact tool is significantly reduced.
 8. The impact tool according toclaim 7 wherein at least one of the members of said head assembly has anexposed metal striking surface.
 9. The impact tool according to claim 7wherein one of the members of said head assembly is configured as astriking head while the other member of said head assembly is formed asa claw.
 10. The impact tool according to claim 7 wherein the attachmentportion of each member of the head assembly is arranged in surroundingrelation relative to a lengthwise portion of said handle structure. 11.The impact tool according to claim 7 wherein the axial spacing betweenthe confronting surfaces of the members of said head assembly measuresapproximately 0.010 inches to about 0.070 inches.
 12. The impact toolaccording to claim 7 wherein both members of said head assembly aremetal, and wherein said elastomeric member has a durometer hardnessranging between about 60 and about 95 Shore A hardness.
 13. The impacttool according to claim 7 wherein said handle is formed from a class ofmaterials including: wood, plastic, metal, nylon, fiberglass, orelastomers.
 14. A generally T-shaped hammer, comprising: a head assemblyincluding first and second heads, with said first head extending in afirst direction and defining a striking surface thereon, said first headincluding an attachment portion extending away from said strikingsurface and to one side of an elongated axis, and with said second headextending in a second direction opposed to said first direction, saidsecond head including an attachment portion extending to an oppositeside of said elongated axis; handle structure extending generally normalto said first and second directions, said handle structure including anelongated handle whose longitudinal centerline defines said elongatedaxis, with a lengthwise section of said handle structure extending intooperative association with the first and second heads and said headassembly thereby maintaining said heads in operable association relativeto each other; elastomer material arranged in operative association withsaid first and second heads for maintaining confronting impact surfacesdefined by said heads in a predetermined spaced relationship relative toeach other; and a woven fiber material disposed about and epoxied to alengthwise section of said handle structure extending into operativeassociation with said head assembly to enhance the interfacetherebetween while adding strength to the hammer.
 15. The hammeraccording to claim 14 wherein said woven fiber comprises an arimidfiber.
 16. A shock absorbing claw hammer, comprising: a handle definingan elongated axis; and a head structure arranged in combination with anddisposed at one end of said handle, said head structure including astriking head portion and a claw portion extending opposite from saidstriking head portion and defining a slit therebetween which opens to anexterior of said head structure, and wherein the striking head portionand the claw portion define confronting impact surfaces which are spaceda predetermined distance apart from each other, and wherein the headstructure and handle combination is configured such that the impactsurfaces are disposed to one side of the elongated axis with the spacingbetween said confronting impact surfaces collapsing upon a hammer strikethereby substantially eliminating vibrations in the handle resultingfrom the hammer strike.
 17. The claw hammer according to claim 16wherein said handle comprises part of a handle structure, and whereinsaid handle structure and said head structure comprise individualpieces.
 18. The claw hammer according to claim 16 wherein said strikinghead portion and said claw portion comprise individual pieces.
 19. Theclaw hammer according to claim 17 wherein said striking head portion andsaid claw portion of said head structure each include attachmentportions, and wherein at least a lengthwise portion of said handlestructure extends endwise through the attachment portions of said headportion and said claw portion.
 20. The claw hammer according to claim 16wherein the predetermined spacing maintained between the confrontingimpact surfaces of said striking head portion and said claw portion ofsaid hammer ranges between about 0.010 inches and about 0.70 inches. 21.A shock absorbing claw hammer, comprising: an elongated handle definingan elongated axis and having opposed sides; and a head structurearranged in combination with one end of said handle, said head structureincluding a striking head portion and a claw portion extending oppositefrom said striking head portion, and wherein the striking head portionand the claw portion define confronting impact surfaces, and wherein thehead structure and handle combination is configured such that the impactsurfaces are outwardly disposed to one side of the elongated axis andoutwardly from opposed sides of said handle, and with a predeterminedspaced relationship between said impact surfaces being maintained by anelastomer disposed within the head structure and which allows thespacing between the confronting impact surfaces to collapse other upon ahammer strike thereby substantially eliminating vibrations in the handleresulting from the hammer strike.
 22. The claw hammer according to claim21 wherein said handle comprises part of a handle structure, and whereinsaid handle structure and said head structure comprise individualpieces.
 23. The claw hammer according to claim 22 wherein said strikinghead portion and said claw portion of said head structure each includeattachment portions, and wherein at least a lengthwise portion of saidhandle extends endwise through the attachment portions of said headportion and said claw portion.
 24. The claw hammer according to claim 21wherein said striking head portion and said claw portion compriseindividual pieces.
 25. The claw hammer according to claim 21 wherein thepredetermined spacing maintained between the confronting impact surfacesof said striking head portion and said claw portion of said hammerranges between about 0.010 inches and about 0.70 inches.